The Ref Stop

adult game on BUT under 16s off?

Big Cat said:
Try playing on 4G
10x the injury hazard (or rock hard summer ground for that matter). I can't stand either
I used to want winter appointments on 4G cos at least you get a game. But I dread getting a game on that surface now. Games tend to be rubbish. If i'm gonna pick up an injury, guaranteed it will be on that plastic stuff
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Hate the stuff as well, but unfortunately, it seems like this is the direction we're heading in. I'm a big fan of the Dorking documentary (BoA), and they specifically blame the pitch for a significant number of their injuries.

It's odd that we can call a game because it's too wet or windy and someone might get injured, but if we tried that on 4G pitches, we would be laughed out the room.

In 10 years, people will probably look back at 4G pitches the same way we now look at asbestos and smoking—saying, "We didn’t realise how harmful it was at the time."
 
The Ref Stop
Had a game this afternoon on 4G, and not a particularly well looked-after 4G. And it was very squelchy. No rain from 9am onwards after it ****ing pissed it down all night (1pm kick off) but I think if it had continued, I’d have had a decision to make. Ball travelled fine, and no spots where it would stop unexpectedly (etc), but more rain and no drainage on the poorly-maintained black rubber crumb would have had puddles underfoot where you suddenly run and stick one foot into an inch of water.

I love a multi-weather, multi-use pitch as much as the next ref, but they seem to be installed and then left to it.
 
FirsFox40 said:
Had a game this afternoon on 4G, and not a particularly well looked-after 4G. And it was very squelchy. No rain from 9am onwards after it ****ing pissed it down all night (1pm kick off) but I think if it had continued, I’d have had a decision to make. Ball travelled fine, and no spots where it would stop unexpectedly (etc), but more rain and no drainage on the poorly-maintained black rubber crumb would have had puddles underfoot where you suddenly run and stick one foot into an inch of water.

I love a multi-weather, multi-use pitch as much as the next ref, but they seem to be installed and then left to it.
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They definitely do need to be maintained properly otherwise as you have said, issues occur that could lead to postponements.
 
FirsFox40 said:
Had a game this afternoon on 4G, and not a particularly well looked-after 4G. And it was very squelchy. No rain from 9am onwards after it ****ing pissed it down all night (1pm kick off) but I think if it had continued, I’d have had a decision to make. Ball travelled fine, and no spots where it would stop unexpectedly (etc), but more rain and no drainage on the poorly-maintained black rubber crumb would have had puddles underfoot where you suddenly run and stick one foot into an inch of water.

I love a multi-weather, multi-use pitch as much as the next ref, but they seem to be installed and then left to it.
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It’s really hit and miss as to whether they’re maintained. The ones that aren’t are like playing on an old concrete school yard.
 
Big Cat said:
Scenario. Assume Sunday League. Both sides want to play. No rain forecast. Rest of this pitch is OK. These are the only problematic areas. Council Pitch

View attachment 7770

Game on for me.... Crack on lads or lasses
(Not talking Step 5/6 here as we wouldn't be making the journey)
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Depends how deep that mini-trench is at the bottom of the photo, if I put my boot in it and it comes over the boot then it is a no. Someone running and landing in that could easily break their ankle or snap their achilles.

Really can't tell from a photo, and this is why going out with a ball is key. If you sink into the wet areas, or the ball won't roll through them or bounce in them then it shouldn't be played in my opinion.
 
We've kind of gone away from the original point re maximum winds of 30mph. Now I'm not refereeing this weekend, I'm actually playing on Saturday & Sunday weather permitting. The wind is forecast for 30mph both days ironically. It will not even be a consideration for either referee this weekend. It's just going to be a bit windy like with 50% of games in the winter. Crack on.
 
Ben448844 said:
We've kind of gone away from the original point re maximum winds of 30mph. Now I'm not refereeing this weekend, I'm actually playing on Saturday & Sunday weather permitting. The wind is forecast for 30mph both days ironically. It will not even be a consideration for either referee this weekend. It's just going to be a bit windy like with 50% of games in the winter. Crack on.
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How was it?
 
RefereeX said:
Why do these weather events recently always seem to happen at weekends?
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That’s a good point, though also seems to happen at times of Tuesday fixtures. Thing is, if it also happened on Thursdays and Friday’s then weekend fixtures would be at risk from waterlogged pitches/damage to stands etc, so if it’s going to happen then there will always be a negative impact
 
Runner Ref said:
Some of the council pitches up this way have already been called off
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All I can say is that I am glad I was playing on council pitches in the late 60’s, 70’s & 80’s, when there was hardly ever an occasion when council pitches were called off - let alone on a Thursday or Friday. I count myself very fortunate that I am now involved in games played on private pitches, though I do feel sorry for those that are relying on council pitches.
 
Hopeful my game will be on. Only rain due is a couple of hours today and then light rain / showers between then and match time. Wind forecast around high 20s mph.
 
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